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West Ham completing a January swoop for this 21-year-old African star would be brilliant

Why West Ham must make a January swoop for Christian Kouame

Back in April, Calciomercato had claimed that West Ham were in the race with Napoli for Genoa forward Christian Kouame. However, a deal didn’t materialise in the summer and the 21-year-old stayed put at Genoa.

Christian Kouame impressed in his debut season for Genoa after moving from Citadella in the summer of 2018. He scored 6 goals and assisted 6 in 38 league games, whilst playing a key role in setting up Genoa’s second goal in the stunning 2-0 victory over Juventus in March.

The Ivorian has hit the ground running in the new season as he already has 5 goals and 3 assists in 11 Serie A games. With Kouame continuing to impress for I Rossoblu, West Ham must rekindle their interest in the forward during the January transfer window.

Christian Kouame has impressed for Genoa since joining in 2018. (Getty Images)
Christian Kouame has impressed for Genoa since joining in 2018. (Getty Images)

West Ham’s form has seen a massive dip in the last few weeks as Manuel Pellegrini’s men are winless in their last five league games. Their last victory was a 2-0 success over Manchester United at the London Stadium back in September.

The Hammers have struggled to score goals, with record signing Sebastian Haller scoring just once in his last eight games. Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini haven’t made much of an impact in the attack, while summer signing Pablo Fornals looks completely out of sorts.

Just like Fornals, Albian Ajeti hasn’t been unable to get into the thick of things whenever called on from the bench. If Haller now suffers an injury at West Ham, there is a worrying lack of back-up options.

Ajeti might prove to be the answer in the future but he certainly isn’t ready yet – judging by his performances so far. That being said, Pellegrini should bolster the striking department by signing Kouame in the New Year.

West Ham players celebrating a goal. (Getty Images)
West Ham players celebrating a goal. (Getty Images)

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Kouame is a young and exciting striker, with his goalscoring record for Genoa being impressive as well. The one-cap Ivory Coast international is predominantly a centre-forward but can also operate down the left flank.

The 21-year-old is not only a composed finisher in the box but is also reliable as a creator, having assisted thrice in the Serie A this season. Below is the video which will give a glimpse of the qualities the young forward could give West Ham.

Verdict

Kouame is still an unproven talent but West Ham might have a real gem in their hands if they manage to strike a deal for the youngster. Pellegrini certainly has the acumen to unlock his true potential and iron out the flaws from his game.